Inbred corn line designated ZS1513

ABSTRACT

An inbred corn line designated ZS1513, including plants of ZS1513 and pollen and seed of such plants. Also, a method of producing a corn plant by crossing ZS1513 either with itself or with another corn line and the first generation plants and seeds produced by such crosses.

This is a continuation of application(s) Ser. No. 08/289,425 filed onAug. 12, 1994, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication No. 08/195,708 filed on Feb. 14, 1994, abandoned.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Generally the present invention relates to the field of plant breeding.In particular the present invention concerns the development of cornplants. More specifically, the present invention relates to thedevelopment of elite germplasm capable of forming high performancehybrids when crossed with another elite inbred.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to corn breeding and, more specifically,to an inbred corn line designated ZS1513. Corn or maize (Zea mays L.),is an agronomic crop of great commercial significance both in the UnitedStates and in many countries of the world. Corn is used for caloricintake both for animals and humans and has a wide variety of industrialapplications. At the commercial production level, the dominant form ofcorn is single cross hybrids or varieties. Homozygous inbred lines,although not grown as a commercial crop, are extremely important as thesource material for the production of hybrid varieties. Thecross-pollination of two distinct homozygous inbred lines produces afirst generation hybrid variety that is heterozygous at most gene loci.

The goal of plant breeding is to combine in a single variety/hybridvarious desirable agronomic traits. For field crops, these traits mayinclude resistance to diseases and insects, reducing the time to cropmaturity, greater yield, and better agronomic quality.

Field crops are bred through techniques that take advantage of theplant's method of pollination. A plant is self-pollinated if pollen fromone flower is transferred to the same or another flower of the sameplant. A plant is cross-pollinated if the pollen comes from a flower ona different plant.

Plants that have been self-pollinated and selected for type for manygenerations become homozygous at almost all gene loci and produce auniform population of true breeding progeny. A cross between twohomozygous lines produce a uniform population of hybrid plants that maybe heterozygous for many gene loci.

Corn plants (Zea mays L.) can be bred by both self-pollination andcross-pollination techniques. Corn has separate male and female flowerson the same plant, located on the tassel and the ear, respectively.Natural pollination occurs in corn when wind blows pollen from thetassels to the silks that protrude from the tops of the incipient ears.

The development of corn hybrids requires the development of homozygousinbred lines, the crossing of these lines to make hybrids and theevaluation of the resulting hybrids. Pedigree breeding and recurrentselection breeding methods are used to develop inbred lines frombreeding populations. Breeding programs combine the genetic backgroundsfrom two or more inbred lines or various other broad-based sources intobreeding pools from which new inbred lines are developed by successivegenerations of inbreeding and selection of desired phenotypes. The newinbreds are crossed with other existing inbred lines and the singlecross hybrids from these crosses are evaluated extensively in fieldperformance trials to determine which of those have agronomicallydesirable potential.

New inbred lines are developed by plant breeders through crosspollination of breeding materials having complementary desirablecharacteristics which results in a breeding population geneticallysegregating for a number of important agronomic traits. After initialdevelopment of this breeding population, breeders perform a number ofsuccessive generations of inbreeding and selection. The objective ofthese inbreeding and selection generations is to identify andgenetically fix a new inbred line which has improved agronomiccharacteristics. These improved characteristics may be per se traitssuch as seed yield, seed quality, or disease resistance. However, theprimary objective of most breeding programs is to identify new inbredlines which produce improved hybrid plant characteristics such as grainyield and harvestability when the new lines are crossed to otherexisting inbred lines to produce hybrids.

The process of determining whether newly developed inbred lines provideimproved characteristics in hybrids produced using the new line involvesextensive field evaluation and testing of the hybrid product. Each newlydeveloped inbred line provides potentially much different contributionsto hybrid combinations than its progenitors. Each inbred corn line alsois true breeding. In layman's terms this means that when an inbred cornline is planted in isolation and allowed to pollinate itself, theresulting progeny will produce corn plants essentially genetically andphenotypically indistinguishable from the parent inbred.

A single cross hybrid corn variety is the cross of two true breedinginbred lines, each of which has a genetic composition which complementsthe other. They hybrid progeny of the first generation cross between twoparent lines is designated "F₁ ". In the hybrid seed developmentprocess, the F₁ hybrid seed is that which is sold to and planted bycommercial growers. The preferred F₁ hybrid seed source is that whichproduces the highest level of vigor, agronomic strength, and yieldcompared to other F₁ hybrid alternatives.

Because the parents of an F₁ hybrid are true breeding, the seedresulting from a cross between the two parents will all be geneticallyidentical, and will thus yield a stable and predictable phenotype in thecommercial grower's fields. Also, because these parents are truebreeding, they can be individually reproduced continually by openpollination in an isolated environment. Thus, it follows that the F₁hybrid can be continuously reproduced from the parent lines.

A single cross hybrid is produced when two inbred lines are crossed toproduce the F₁ progeny. A double cross hybrid is produced from fourinbred lines crossed in pairs (A×B and C×D) and then the two F₁ hybridsare crossed again (A×B)×(C×D). Much of the hybrid vigor exhibited by F₁hybrids is lost in the next generation F₂. Consequently, seed fromhybrid varieties is not used for planting stock.

Corn is an important and valuable field crop. Thus, a continuing goal ofplant breeders is to develop high-yielding corn hybrids that areagronomically sound based on stable inbred lines. The reasons for thisgoal are obvious: to maximize the amount of grain produced with theinputs used and minimize susceptibility to environmental stresses. Toaccomplish this goal, the corn breeder must select and develop superiorinbred parental lines for producing hybrids. This requiresidentification and selection of genetically unique individuals which ina segregating population occur as the result of a combination of geneticrecombinations plus the independent assortment of specific combinationsof alleles at many gene loci which results in specific genotypes. Basedon the number of segregating genes, the frequency of occurrence of anindividual with a specific genotype is less than 1 in 10,000. Thus evenif the entire genotype of the parents has been characterized and thedesired genotype is known, only a few if any individuals having thedesired genotype may be found in a large segregating population.Typically, however, the genotype of neither the parents nor the desiredgenotype is known in any detail.

Because commercial corn production relies on the development of noveland improved inbred corn lines, considerable money and effort is devotedby commercial seed companies and plant breeders to the development ofinbred lines with the combining ability to produce first generationhybrid corn with the characteristics of high yield, resistance todisease and pests, improved plant stability, uniform phenotypicalcharacteristics to facilitate machine harvesting, and so on, all withthe goal of maximizing the efficient use of land and other resources inthe production of foodstuffs and raw agricultural materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to produce an inbred corn linethat can be used to form a hybrid for use in the Northern Region of theU.S. corn belt or a region having similar environmental traits.

Another object of the present invention is to provided an inbred thathas a generally broad based combining ability with other inbreds toproduce high yields in hybrid combination.

Still another object of the present invention is to produce an inbredthat provide excellent inbred female seed yield.

Broadly the present invention is an inbred corn line designated ZS1513and the plant or plants and the pollen and seed or seeds. Additionallythe invention includes inbred corn plants with the phenotypic,physiological and morphologic characteristics of inbred corn linedesignated ZS1513.

A method is also contemplated within the present invention. A method forproducing a corn plant, comprising the step of using a first parent cornplant with a second parent corn plant wherein the first or second parentcorn plant is the inbred corn plant having designation ZS1513. Themethod wherein the first and second parent corn plants are both from theinbred corn line designated ZS1513.

The invention also includes the first generation (F₁) hybrid corn plantproduced by crossing a first inbred female corn plant with a secondinbred male corn plant, wherein the first or second parent corn plant isthe inbred corn plant having the designation ZS1513. The hybrid cornplant wherein the inbred corn plant having the designation ZS1513 is thefemale parent. The hybrid corn plant wherein the inbred corn planthaving the designation ZS1513 is the male parent. A method for producingfirst generation (F₁) hybrid corn seed, comprising the step of crossinga first inbred parent corn plant with a second inbred parent corn plant,wherein the first or second parent corn plant is the inbred corn planthaving the designation ZS1513. A first generation (F₁) hybrid corn plantproduced by growing the hybrid corn seed. A plant cell which, upongrowth and differentiation, produces the plant designated ZS1513.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

DEFINITIONS

In the description and examples which follow, a number of terms areused. In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of thespecifications and claims, including the scope to be given such terms,the following definitions are provided.

BL MOIST

The moisture percentage of the grain at black layer, i.e., when 50% ofthe plants per plot have reached physiological maturity.

COLD GERM

Cold Germ is a measurement of seed germination under cold soilconditions. Data is reported as percent of seed germinating.

EMERGE

The number of emerged plants per plot (planted at the same seedlingrate) collected when plants have two fully developed leaves.

GI

GI=100+0.5(YLD)-0.9(%STALK LODGE)-0.9(%ROOT LODGE)-2.7(%DROPPED EAR)

This is a selection index which provides a single quantitative measureof the worth of a hybrid based on four traits. Yield is the primarytrait contributing to index values.

GLS

Grey Leaf Spot (Cercospora zeae) disease rating. This is rated on a 1-9scale with a "1" being very susceptible, and a "9" being very resistant.

GW

Goss' Wilt (Corynebacterium nebraskense). This is rated on a 1-9 scalewith a "1" being very susceptible, and a "9" being very resistant.

HEATP10

The number of Growing Degree Units (GDU's) or heat units required for aninbred line or hybrid to have approximately 10 percent of the plantsshedding pollen. This trait is measured from the time of planting.Growing Degree Units are calculated by the Barger Method where the GDU'sfor a 24 hour period are: ##EQU1## The highest maximum temperature usedis 86° F. and the lowest minimum temperature used is 50° F. For eachinbred or hybrid it takes a certain number of GDU's to reach variousstages of plant development.

HEATBL

The number of GDU's after planting when approximately 50 percent of theinbred or hybrid plants in a plot have grain which has reachedphysiological maturity (black layer).

HEATPEEK

The number of GDU's after planting of an inbred when approximately 50percent of the plants show visible tassel extension.

HEATP50

The number of GDU's required for an inbred or hybrid to haveapproximately 50 percent of the plants shedding pollen. Growing DegreeUnits are calculated by the Barger Method as shown in the HEATP10definition.

HEATP90

The number of GDU's accumulated from planting when the last 100 percentof plants in an inbred or hybrid are still shedding enough viable pollenfor pollination to occur. Growing Degree Units are calculated by theBarger Method as shown in the HEATP10 definition.

HEATS10

The number of GDU's required for an inbred or hybrid to haveapproximately 10 percent of the plants with silk emergence of at least0.5 inches. Growing Degree Units are calculated by the Barger Method asshown in the HEATP10 definition.

HEATS50

The number of GDU's required for an inbred or hybrid to haveapproximately 50 percent of the plants with silk emergence of at least0.5 inches. Growing Degree Units are calculated by the Barger Method asshown in the HEATP10 definition.

HEATS90

The number of GDU's required for an inbred or hybrid to haveapproximately 90 percent of the plants with silk emergence of at least0.5 inches. Growing Degree Units are calculated by the Barger Method asshown in the HEATP10 definition.

MDMV_(A)

Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus strain A. The corn is rated on a 1-9 scale witha "1" being very susceptible, and a "9" being very resistant.*

MDMV_(B)

Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus strain B. This is rated on a 1-9 scale with a"1" being very susceptible and a "9" being very resistant.*

MOISTURE

The average percentage grain moisture of an inbred or hybrid at harvesttime.

NLB

Northern Leaf Blight (Exserohilum turcicum) disease rating. This israted on a 1-9 scale with a "1" being very susceptible, and a "9" beingvery resistant.*

PCT TILLER

Percentage of plants in a plot which have tillers.

PLANT HEIGHT

The distance in centimeters from ground level to the base of the tasselpeduncle.

RM

Predicted relative maturity based on the moisture percentage of thegrain at harvest. This rating is based on known set of checks andutilizes standard linear regression analyses and is referred to as theMinnesota Relative Maturity Rating System.

SHED

The volume of pollen shed by the male flower rated on a 1-9 scale wherea "1" is a very light pollen shedder, a "4.5" is a moderate shedder, anda "9" is a very heavy shedder.

SLB

Southern Leaf Blight (Bipolaris maydis) disease rating. This is rated ona 1-9 scale with a "1" being very susceptible, and a "9" being veryresistant.*

TWT

The measure of the weight of grain in pounds for a one bushel volumeadjusted for percent grain moisture.

VIGOR

Visual rating of 1 to 9 made 2-3 weeks post-emergence where a "1"indicates very poor early plant development, and a "9" indicatessuperior plant development.

WARM GERM

A measurement of seed germination under ideal (warm, moist) conditions.Data is reported as percent of seeds germinating.

YIELD

Actual yield of grain at harvest adjusted to 15.5% moisture.Measurements are reported in bushels per acre.

% DROPPED EARS

Percentage of plants in a plot which dropped their primary ear dividedby the total number of plants per plot.

% LRG FLAT

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a 26/64 inchround screen and a 14/64 inch slot screen, but does not pass through ascreen with 20.5/64 inch round openings.

% LRG ROUND

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a 26/64 inchround screen, but does not pass through a 14/64 inch slot screen or ascreen with 20.5/64 inch round openings.

% MED FLAT

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a 20.5/64 inchround screen and a 13/64 inch slotted screen, but does not pass througha screen with 17/64 inch round openings.

% MED ROUND

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a 20.5/64 inchround screen, but does not pass through a 13/64 inch slot screen or ascreen with 17/64 inch round openings.

% SML FLAT

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a 17/64 inchround screen and a 12/64 inch slotted screen, but does not pass througha screen with 15/64 inch round openings.

% SML ROUND

Percentage by weight of shelled corn that passes through a 17/64 inchround screen, but does not pass through a 12/64 inch slotted screen or ascreen with 15/64 inch round openings.

% ROOT LODGE

Percentage of plants in a plot leaning more that 30 degrees fromvertical divided by total plants per plot.

% STALK LODGE

Percentage of plants in a plot with the stalk broken below the primaryear node divided by the total plants per plot.

*Resistant-on a scale of 1-9 with 9 evidencing the trait most strongly:1-2.9 ratings are susceptible, 3-5.9 ratings are intermediate, and 6-9ratings are resistant.

The yellow dent corn inbred line ZS1513 is characterized by adistinctive wide wavy leaf. But more importantly, inbred line ZS1513 hasunique and superior characteristics. Inbred corn line ZS1513 has provento be acceptable as a female or a male line in producing F₁ hybrids.ZS1513 is acceptable for use as a male parent because of its pollen shedrating which is 5 to 7 on a scale of 0=sterile and 9=heavy shedder.Inbred line ZS1513 is adapted for use in the Northern regions of theUnited States and in other regions of the world having similarenvironmental characteristics. This inbred can be used to producehybrids from approximately 95-110 relative maturity based on theMinnesota Relative Maturing Rating System for harvest moisture of grain.ZS1513 is unique as a female parent because of its broad generalcombining ability with other inbreds, and high yield in hybridcombination. As a female, ZS1513 provides excellent yields of mediumsized, high quality seed, and evidences excellent seedling vigor. InbredZS1513 is characterized by short plant height and low ear placement.ZS1513 performs well as an inbred under cold germ test conditions aswell as good growing conditions. Corn plants that are used as femalesare detasseled. Corn plants that are used to pollinate detasseled cornplants are used as males.

The inbred has shown uniformity and stability within the limits ofenvironmental influence for all the traits as described in the VarietyDescriptors (Table 1) that follows. Most of the data in the VarietyDescriptors were collected at Slater, Iowa. Numeric data was generatedfrom means over all environments where the inbred was evaluated.

The inbred has been self-pollinated for approximately 6-8 generations.During plant selection in each generation the uniformity of plant typewas selected to ensure homozygosity and phenotypic stability. The linehas been increased in isolated farmland environments with data onuniformity and agronomic traits being observed to assure uniformity andstability. No variant traits have been observed or are expected inZS1513.

The best method of producing the invention, ZS1513 which issubstantially homozygous, is by planting the seed of ZS1513 which issubstantially homozygous and self-pollinating or sib pollinating theresultant plant in an isolated environment, and harvesting the resultantseed or the resultant pollen.

                                      TABLE 1                                     __________________________________________________________________________    ZS1513                                                                        VARIETY DESCRIPTION INFORMATION                                               __________________________________________________________________________    1. Type: Dent                                                                 2. Region Best Adapted: Northern                                              __________________________________________________________________________    #3  MATURITY                                                                  DAYS                                                                              HEAT UNITS                                                                84    1382 FROM EMERGENCE TO 50% OF PLANTS IN SILK                            84    1382 FROM EMERGENCE TO 50% OF PLANTS IN POLLEN                           7      FROM 10% TO 90% POLLEN SHED                                                   FROM 50% SILK TO HARVEST AT 25% MOISTURE                              #4  PLANT                                                                     DATA                                                                           3 ANTHOCYANIN OF BRACE ROOTS: 1 = ABSENT 2 = FAINT 3 = MODERATE 4 =          DARK                                                                          #5  LEAF                                                                      COLOR/DATA                                                                     2 LEAF COLOR *MUNSELL CODE - 5GY 4/4                                          6 LEAF SHEATH PUBESCENCE (1 = NONE TO 9 = PEACH FUZZ)                         5 MARGINAL WAVES (1 = NONE TO 9 = MANY)                                       5 LONGITUDINAL CREASES (1 = NONE TO 9 = MANY)                                #6  TASSEL                                                                    COLOR/DATA                                                                     7 POLLEN SHED (0 = STERILE TO 9 = HEAVY SHEDDER)                             14 ANTHER COLOR                                                                             *MUNSELL CODE -                                                                          5R 3/4                                                1 GLUME COLOR                                                                              *MUNSELL CODE -                                                                          5GY 5/8 WITH SOME (11) 5R 3/4 STRIPES                 2 BAR GLUME 1 = ABSENT 2 = PRESENT                                           #7A EAR (UNHUSKED DATA)                                                       COLOR/DATA                                                                    11 SILK COLOR (3 DAYS AFTER EMERGE.)*MUNSELL CODE -                                                                     5R 3/6                               2 FRESH HUSK CO. (25 DAYS AFTER 50% SILK)* MUNSELL CODE                                                                5GY 6/8                             22 DRY HUSK COLOR (65 DAYS AFTER 50% SILK)* MUNSELL CODE                                                                5Y 8/6                               3 POSITION OF EAR AT DRY HUSK 1 = UPRIGHT 2 = HORIZONTAL 3 = PENDENT          1 HUSK TIGHTNESS (1 = VERY LOOSE TO 9 = VERY TIGHT)                           1 HUSK EXTENSION AT HARVEST (1 = EXPOSED EAR 2 = 8 CM 3 = 8-10 CM 4 =>10     CM)                                                                           #7B EAR (HUSKED DATA)                                                         DATA                                                                           2 KERNEL ROWS: 1 = INDISTINCT 2 = DISTINCT                                    1 ROW ALIGNMENT: 1 = STRAIT 2 = SLIGHT CURVE 3 = SPIRAL                       1 EAR TAPPER: 1 = STRAIT 2 = AVERAGE 3 = EXTREME                             #8  KERNEL (DRY)                                                              COLOR/DATA                                                                     1 ALEURONE COLOR PATTERN: 1 = HOMO. 2 = SEG.                                  8 ALEURONE COLOR *MUNSELL CODE -                                                                             7.5YR 7/10                                     8 HARD ENDOSPERM COLOR *MUNSELL CODE-                                                                        7.5YR 7/10                                     3 ENDOSPERM TYPE:                                                             7 CROWN COLOR *MUNSELL CODE -  2.5Y 8/10                                     #9  COB                                                                       COLOR                                                                         14 COB COLOR *MUNSELL CODE -    10R 4/10                                      __________________________________________________________________________    COLOR CHOICES (Use in conjunction with Munsell color code to describe all     color choices                                                                 01 = Light Green                                                                          06 = Pale Yellow                                                                         11 = Pink 16 = Pale Purple                                                                        21 = Buff                          02 = Medium Green                                                                         07 = Yellow                                                                              12 = Light Red                                                                          17 = Purple                                                                             22 = Tan                           03 = Dark Green                                                                           08 = Yellow-Orange                                                                       13 = Cherry Red                                                                         18 = Colorless                                                                          23 = Brown                         04 = Very Dark Green                                                                      09 = Salmon                                                                              14 = Red  19 = White                                                                              24 = Bronze                        05 = Green-Yellow                                                                         10 = Pink-Orange                                                                         15 = Red & White                                                                        20 = White Capped                                                                       25 = Variegated (Describe)                                                    26 = Other (Describe)              __________________________________________________________________________                                 N MEAN                                           __________________________________________________________________________    #10                                                                              EAR HEIGHT (CM)           15                                                                              46.40                                             LENGTH OF PRIMARY EAR LEAF (CM)                                                                         15                                                                              13.58                                             WIDTH OF PRIMARY EAR LEAF (CM)                                                                          15                                                                              8.47                                              TOP EAR INTERNODE (CM)    15                                                                              13.87                                             DEGREE OF LEAF ANGLE      15                                                                              47.53                                             # OF EARS PER PLANT       15                                                                              1.33                                              # OF LEAVES ABOVE TOP EAR 15                                                                              4.47                                              # OF PRIMARY LATERAL TASSEL BRANCHES                                                                    15                                                                              6.27                                              PLANT HEIGHT (CM)         15                                                                              158.7                                             TASSEL LENGTH (CM)        15                                                                              37.60                                             TASSEL BRANCH ANGLE       15                                                                              45.67                                             # OF TILLER PER PLANTS    15                                                                              0.13                                              WEIGHT PER 100 KERNELS (GM)                                                                             15                                                                              20.63                                             EAR LENGTH (CM)           15                                                                              13.58                                             EAR WEIGHT (GM)           15                                                                              89.06                                             # OF KERNEL ROWS          15                                                                              15.07                                             COB DIAMETER AT MID-POINT (MM)                                                                          15                                                                              23.68                                             EAR DIAMETER AT MID-POINT (MM)                                                                          15                                                                              37.57                                             KERNEL LENGTH (MM)        15                                                                              10.15                                             KERNEL THICKNESS (MM)     15                                                                              4.58                                              KERNEL WIDTH (MM)         15                                                                              8.03                                              % ROUND KERNELS (SHAPE GRADE)                                                                           15                                                                              34.71                                             SHANK LENGTH              15                                                                              9.50                                              Disease Resistance                                                         __________________________________________________________________________       Northern Leaf Blight: Resistant                                               Gray Leaf Spot: Susceptible                                                   Common Corn Rust: Resistant                                                   MDMV Strain B: Susceptible                                                    Inbred most useful for comparison with the present invention                  based on genetic makeup and combining ability/maturity                        characteristics is MBS847. MBS847 (PVP 8510010) Commercially available        from Mike                                                                     Brayton Seeds Ames Iowa.                                                   __________________________________________________________________________

The Munsell code is a reference book of color which is known and used inthe industry and by persons with ordinary skill in the part of plantbreeding. The purity and homozygosity of inbred ZS1513 is constantlybeing tracked using isozyme genotypes as shown in Table 2.

                                      TABLE 2                                     __________________________________________________________________________    LINE                                                                              ACP1                                                                              ACP4                                                                              ADH MDH1                                                                              MDH2                                                                              PGD1                                                                              PGD2                                                                              PHI                                                                              PGM IDH2                                   __________________________________________________________________________    ZS1513                                                                            33  00  22  22  11  11  11  22 22  11                                     __________________________________________________________________________

Isozyme data were generated for Table 2 according to the procedure inStuber, C. W., Wendell, J. R., Goodman, M. M., And Smith, J. S. C.Techniques and Scoring Procedures for Starch Gel Electrophoresis ofIsozymes from Maize (Zea mays L.). Tech. Bull. 286. North CarolinaAgricultural Research Service, North Carolina State University, Raleigh,N.C., March, 1988.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

This invention also is directed to methods for producing a corn plant bycrossing a first parent corn plant with a second parent corn plantwherein the first or second parent corn plant is an inbred corn plantfrom the line ZS1513. Further, both first and second parent corn plantscan come from the inbred corn line ZS1513. Thus, any methods using theinbred corn line ZS1513 are part of this invention. The methods includebut are not limited to selling, backcrosses, hybrid production, crossesto populations, and the like. All plants produced using inbred corn lineZS1513 as a parent are within the scope of this invention.Advantageously, the inbred corn line is used in crosses with other,different, corn inbreds to produce first generation (F₁) corn hybridseeds and plants with superior characteristics.

As used herein, the terms "plant and plant parts" include plant cells,plant protoplasts, plant cell tissue culture from which corn plants canbe regenerated, plant calli, plant clumps, and plant cells that areintact in plants, or parts of plants, such as embryos, pollen, flowers,kernels, ears, cobs, leaves, husks, stalks, roots, root tips, anthers,silk and the like. Corn tissue culture procedures are also described inGreen and Rhodes, "Plant Regeneration in Tissue Culture of Maize", Maizefor Biological Research (Plant Molecular Biology Association,Charlottesville, Va. 1982, at 36-372). Thus, another aspect of thisinvention is to provide cells which upon growth and differentiationproduce the inbred line ZS1513.

The utility of the dent inbred line ZS1513 extends to the production ofplants which may be crosses made with other species. The inbred line maybe crossed with sweet corn or popcorn or other dent corn. It maypotentially be suitable for crosses with sorghum.

Corn is used for human consumption (in a variety of different forms),animal consumption, and as a ingredient in many commercial products. Theproduction of corn for human consumption includes products of the dryand wet milling industries. The most commonly recognized uses of cornkernels are corn grits, corn meal, and corn flour. Additional processingcan be employed and provide various corn sweeteners and corn starch.Likewise, a variety of snack foods and breakfast foods are made of cornsuch as corn chips, cornflakes, cornbread, and the like. Likewise, cornoil and various components of corn oil have been used in industry and incooking foods for human consumption.

Additionally corn products can be used to make alcohol products. Alcoholproducts can be used for human consumption, but likewise, they can beused for industrial purposes. Alcohol products made from corn can beused in gasoline. Flour and starch from corn can be used for sizing, forpaper, adhesives, and the like. The corn products have been used inbuilding materials and laundry starches and a variety of otherindustrial applications. Other parts of the corn plant can also be used.The non-grain portion of the plant and the grain portion of the plantcan be chopped and fed to animals. Additionally, corn cobs can be usedfor firewood and husks can be used creatively in the arts for the makingof corn husk dolls.

The seed, plant and plant parts of the of the inbred corn line ZS1513and the seed plant and plant parts of the hybrid made with ZS1513 as aparent can be used for various industrial purposes.

EXAMPLES

The following examples compare the traits of the present invention withinbreds and hybrids having similar regions of usage, and/or similartraits and/or characteristics. The data will of course vary depending onthe inbred and hybrid employed for the comparison.

Information provided in Table 3 compares inbreds ZS1513 to MBS847. Datasupplied was generated from means over only those environments whereboth inbreds were evaluated. Inbred MBS847 is a widely used commerciallyavailable line. Inbred MBS847 is an important line that would be used insimilar regions and would cross well with some of the same inbred linesas ZS1513. The data presented in Table 3 has been collected in researchtrials over a period of at least 3 years (when possible).

                                      TABLE 3                                     __________________________________________________________________________    PAIRED INBRED COMPARISON DATA                                                 __________________________________________________________________________                            PCT   PLANT EAR           EAR    PCT                  YEAR INBRED                                                                              VIGOR  EMERGE                                                                              TILLER                                                                              HEIGHT                                                                              HEIGHT                                                                              SHED    QUALITY                                                                              BARREN               __________________________________________________________________________    OVER-                                                                              ZS1513                                                                              6.3    81.8  2.0   131.9 51.9  5.0     2.7                         ALL  MBS847                                                                              6.1    80.1  1.2   144.0 58.9  4.4     2.5                              # EXPTS                                                                             8      8     7     8     8     7       3                                DIFF  0.2    1.7   0.7   12.1  7.0   0.6     0.2                              PROB  0.351  0.643 0.452 0.020**                                                                             0.124 0.313   0.423                       __________________________________________________________________________    YEAR INBRED                                                                              HEATP10                                                                              HEATP50                                                                             HEATP90                                                                             HEATS10                                                                             HEATS50                                                                             HEATS90                             __________________________________________________________________________    OVER-                                                                              ZS1513                                                                              13412  1353  1403  1345  1364  1397                                ALL  MBS847                                                                              1347   1386  1444  1370  1399  1438                                     # EXPTS                                                                             8      8     8     8     8     8                                        DIFF  35     33    41    25    35    41                                       PROB  0.003* 0.016**                                                                             0.002*                                                                              0.033**                                                                             0.014**                                                                             0.011**                             __________________________________________________________________________                            BL    % ROOT                                                                              % STALK                                                                             % DROPPED                           YEAR INBRED                                                                              HEATPEEK                                                                             HEATBL                                                                              MOIST LODGE LODGE EARS    MOISTURE                                                                             YIELD                __________________________________________________________________________    OVER-                                                                              ZS1513                                                                              1267   2369  32.1                      10.6   54.8                 ALL  MBS847                                                                              1262   2441  36.8                      10.7   43.7                      # EXPTS                                                                             8      2     2                         8      8                         DIFF  5      73    4.6                       0.1    11.1                      PROB  0.718  0.415 0.052***                  0.872  0.009*               __________________________________________________________________________               WARM   COLD  % LRG % LRG % MED % MED   % SML  % SML                YEAR INBRED                                                                              GERM   GERM  ROUND FLAT  ROUND FLAT    ROUND  FLAT                 __________________________________________________________________________    OVER-                                                                              ZS1513                                                                              96.0   91.6  4.7   12.3  23.8  40.2    8.9    6.7                  ALL  MBS847                                                                              97.1   95.4  4.3   11.4  24.5  37.6    8.8    8.1                       # EXPTS                                                                             8      8     8     8     8     8       8      8                         DIFF  1.1    3.8   0.4   0.9   0.6   2.6     0.1    1.4                       PROB  0.209  0.035**                                                                             0.728 0.684 0.691 0.419   0.872  0.320                __________________________________________________________________________     * prob ≦ 0.01                                                          **prob > 0.01 and ≦ 0.05                                               ***prob > 0.05 and ≦ 0.10                                         

Data presented in Table 3 demonstrate that inbreds ZS1513 and MBS847differ significantly for certain traits. Inbred ZS1513 yields 54.8bushels to the acre, compared to MBS847 which yields 43.7 bushels to theacre. Inbred yield is important because it relates directly to cost andefficiency of production. Less acres of land are required to produce thedesired amount of seed. Data in Table 3 also demonstrates that ZS1513flowers significantly earlier than MBS847 (HEATP10, HEATP50, HEATP90,HEATS10, HEATS50 and HEATS90 of 1312 versus 1347, 1353 versus 1386, 1403versus 1444, 1345 versus 1370, 1364 versus 1399, and 1397 versus 1438,respectively). Earlier flowering inbreds are advantageous because theyenable the inbred to be used as parents of shorter season hybridsshorter season environments. Additionally, the grain moisture at blacklayer (BL MOIST) for inbred ZS1513 is significantly lower than forMBS847 (32.1% versus 36.8%). Relatively lower grain moisture at blacklayer indicates an inbred can be safely harvested earlier in the falland, consequently, is less susceptible to damage by frost.

Table 4 provides data comparing ZS1513 crossed to an inbred tester andMBS847 crossed to the same inbred tester. Data for two widely growncommercially available hybrids (designated H1 and H2) are also providedas checks in Table 4 to demonstrate the significant commercialsuperiority of a ZS1513 hybrid.

                                      TABLE 4                                     __________________________________________________________________________    Hybrid data comparing inbred ZS1513 and MBS847 crossed to the same            tester, and including data of two                                             commercially available hybrid checks.                                         HEAD versus GROUP Hybrid Comparison                                                                      % STALK                                                                             % ROOT                                                                              % DROPPED                              Entry       GI YIELD                                                                              MOISTURE                                                                             LODGE LODGE EAR     RM                             __________________________________________________________________________    ZS1513 × inbred tester                                                              165                                                                              139  17.0   3.5   0.5   0.2      98                            MBS847 × inbred tester                                                              162                                                                              129  19.8   3.3   0.5   0.1     108                            H1          159                                                                              126  19.7   4.1   0.3   0.0     108                            H2          160                                                                              130  18.1   4.0   0.5   0.4     102                            LSD (alpha = 0.05)                                                                          7                                                                               10   1.0   2.5   0.9   0.9                                    __________________________________________________________________________     H.sub.1 = ICI 8708                                                            H.sub.2 = ICI 8777                                                       

The data in Table 4 indicate that the ZS1513 hybrid yields significantlymore grain than the MBS847 hybrid (139 versus 129 bushels per acre) andthe grain is significantly dryer at harvest (17.0% versus 19.8% grainmoisture). Higher yielding hybrids permit more grain to be produced peracre. Hybrids that have lower grain moistures at harvest enable thegrower to harvest the crop earlier and thus have less risk of frostdamage, and/or the grower needs to artificially dry the corn less andthus reduces input costs, and/or that the hybrid can be grown in shorterseason environments. Regression of grain moisture at harvest on TheMinnesota Relative Maturity System (RM in Table 4) indicates that theZS1513 hybrid has a ten day earlier relative maturity than the MBS847hybrid (98 days versus 108 days). Similarly, data provided in Table 4for commercial checks H₁ and H₂, both widely used commercial hybrids inthe regions where the ZS1513 hybrid is grown, indicates that the ZS1513hybrid has superior performance. The ZS1513 hybrid yields significantlymore per acre than the H₁ hybrid (139 versus 126 bushels per acre) andgrain moisture at harvest is significantly lower (17% versus 19.7%).Similarly, the ZS1513 hybrid yields 9 bushels more than the H₂ hybrid(139 versus 130 bushels per acre) and grain at harvest is significantlydrier (17.0% versus 18.1%).

Comparisons of inbred per se data for ZS1513 and a widely usedcommercially available inbred demonstrate that ZS1513 providessignificant advantage for yield, flowering and grain moisture at blacklayer. Additionally, comparisons of hybrid data from test crosses ofZS1513 and a widely used commercially available inbred demonstrate thatZS1513 provides a significant advantage for yield and grain moisture atharvest in hybrid combination. Hybrid data for two widely growncommercial hybrids is also presented as checks to demonstrate thesuperior commercial performance of ZS1513 in hybrid combination.

Applicant, (from a deposit maintained prior to Feb. 14, 1994, by ICISeeds, at Slater, Iowa,) has deposited with the American Type CultureCollection (ATCC), Rockville, Md. 20852, U.S.A. on Feb. 17, 1994, atleast 2,500 seeds of Inbred Corn Line ZS1513. This deposit of ZS1513 hasATCC Accession No. 75679. This deposit of ZS1513 will be maintained inthe depository for a period of 30 years, or 5 years after the mostrecent request, or the life of the potent, whichever is longer, and willbe replaced, in this period, if it becomes nonviable. The seed has beentested by the depository as viable on Feb. 28, 1994. Applicant does notwaive its rights under the patent law or PVP Act, but Applicant imposesno restriction on the availability of the deposited material from theATCC.

Although the invention has been described with respect to a preferredembodiment thereof, it is to be also understood that it is not to be solimited since changes and modifications can be made therein which arewithin the full intended scope of this invention as defined by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An inbred corn seed designated ZS1513, seed ofZS1513 have been deposited in ATCC with accession number
 75679. 2. Aplant produced by the seed of claim
 1. 3. Pollen of the plant of claim2.
 4. An inbred corn plant with all of the phenotypic, physiological andmorphological characteristics of inbred corn line of claim
 1. 5. Amethod for producing a first generation (F₁) hybrid corn seed comprisingthe steps of crossing a first inbred parent corn plant with a secondinbred parent corn plant, wherein said first or second parent corn plantwas used as an inbred corn plant having the designation ZS1513, seed ofZS1513 have been deposited in ATCC with accession number 75679, growingsaid plant and harvesting said F₁ hybrid corn seed therefrom.
 6. A firstgeneration (F₁) hybrid corn plant produced by growing said hybrid cornseed of claim
 5. 7. A tissue culture of regenerable cells of the plantZS1513, seed of which have been deposited in ATCC with accession number75679. which upon regeneration produces the corn plant of claim
 4. 8. Amethod for producing a corn plant comprising the steps of crossing afirst inbred parent corn plant with a second inbred parent corn plant,wherein said first or second parent corn plant was used as an inbredcorn plant having the designation ZS1513, seed of ZS1513 have beendeposited in ATCC with accession number 75679, growing said corn plant,harvesting the seed produced and planting the harvested seed to producesaid corn plant.